Dear TGS Families:

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of spirit and resources that you’ve committed to the school over the past several years. As we strive to bring our family participation in the Annual Fund to 100% (and in honor of Valentine’s day), we are excited to launch Show the Love week next week. 

During Show the Love week, we will offer a daily giving theme, and the grade level with the highest participation percentage for the week will win an Eegee’s party. If you’ve not yet had an opportunity to support the Annual Fund, Show the Love week is your chance! Please look for daily announcements and activities during student drop-off. 

The percentage of family giving is far more important than any specific gift amount. Funding organizations always look more favorably on schools with healthy percentages of family giving. We thank you in advance for participating and contributing what is comfortable for your family.

Oftentimes families are unfamiliar with terms such as “Annual Fund” and “Tax Credit contributions.” Both are critical to our continued viability, but they are entirely different from each other:

The Annual Fund is a campaign one would find in any independent school in the country. Given that we are just that—an independent, non-profit organization—we rely solely upon tuition, grants, and philanthropic giving to remain fiscally strong. We accept no state or federal funds. The Annual Fund is a means of filling the budget gap between what it takes to annually operate the school, and the amount of funds raised through tuition, grants, and other revenue streams such as rentals and a modest endowment draw. Our annual fund goal for 2021-22 is $180,000 dollars, and we have raised $120,000 as of January 31, 2022. 

Tax Credit Contributions go directly to support student scholarships. The Arizona State Tax Credit is not a donation. When you take the credit, you direct funds you have already paid, or are obligated to pay, in state taxes to help provide need-based scholarships for Gregory School students. Your contribution is credited, dollar for dollar, by the state, and taking the tax credit costs you nothing. Participation in this program is also very helpful to the school, but participating in the tax credit program does not count at all towards the Annual Fund. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider how you might help the school. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have and welcome your inquiries!

Kind regards,
 
Julie A. Sherrill, Ph.D.
Head of School